Sex- and Gender-Related Factors Associated With Cardiac Rehabilitation Enrollment

PURPOSE: To assess sex- and gender-related factors associated with cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrollment following acute coronary syndrome among systematically referred patients. METHODS: This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial used an exploratory approach to examine the TRANSITion process for patients between the coronary care unit and CR (TRANSIT-UC). The present analysis examined the relationship between sex- and gender-related factors and CR enrollment in systematically referred women (n = 35) and men (n = 207). We performed χ and logistic regression analyses to identify statistically significant results. Using the Bonferroni method, a P value of .002 or less was considered a significant statistical result. A raw difference of 15% or more between enrolled and nonenrolled participants was considered a difference worthy of further investigation. RESULTS: Men who were regularly engaged in physical activity prior to their hospitalization and who lived near the CR center showed a statistically higher CR enrollment rate. In women and men, a radial entry site for percutaneous coronary intervention resulted in a clinically significant difference in favor of CR enrollment. In women, 3 sex-related and 9 gender-related variables were associated with a difference of 15% or more between enrolled and nonenrolled participants. CONCLUSION: Factors related to CR enrollment in women and men are suggested. As women keep showing a lower rate of CR enrolment, the investigation of these factors in a larger sample of patients may hold valuable insights to improve CR enrolment.